Bhubaneswar, 21 March (H.S.) : In response to rising temperatures and the looming threat of an early heatwave, the Odisha government plans to shift school hours to the morning to minimize students’ exposure to intense afternoon heat.

School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond stated on Saturday that the decision is a precautionary measure aimed at safeguarding children’s health during the peak summer months. The exact start date for the revised schedule will be finalized after consultations with the Revenue and Disaster Management Department.

This approach builds on last year’s practice, when morning classes were implemented statewide from April 2 following an unusually early and severe heatwave.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a temporary dip in maximum temperatures by 2–3°C over the next few days. However, temperatures are expected to rise again gradually, with variations across districts.

The proposed schedule change is part of broader efforts by the Odisha government to ensure student well-being amid increasingly harsh summer conditions. The administration has already issued heatwave management guidelines for schools, including the provision of adequate drinking water and ORS, rescheduling classes to cooler hours where possible, and limiting outdoor activities during peak heat periods.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda